University Assistant (postdoc) - Department of Government Universität Wien

Job description:

The University of Vienna is a cosmopolitan hub for  more than 10,000 employees, of whom around 7,500 work in research and teaching. They want to do research and teach at a place that suits their ideas and work together towards answering the big questions of the future. You also appreciate the exchange between disciplines, cultures and generations? We are looking for a/an

University Assistant (postdoc)

Among the many reasons to research and teach at the University of Vienna there is one in particular, which has convinced around 7,500 academic staff members so far. They see themselves as personalities who need space for continuous striving for top international research and scientific excellence. At the same time they enjoy support and liberties that are not a given at other institutions. Does that sound like something for you? Welcome to our team!

The Department of Government, a subunit of the Faculty of Social Sciences, is looking for a university assistant (post doc) in research areas represented at the Department of Government, especially political representation, party competition, political institutions, or poltical behaviour.

Your role:

Your future position is based at the Department of Government, which is a leading centre for research on the comparative politics in Europe and beyond. The position is to be filled from 1 October 2026 or thereafter and is limited to 6 years. Staff and students appreciate internationality, outstanding research projects, interdisciplinary cooperation and exchange between colleagues.

Your future tasks:

Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means:

• You will develop and strengthen an independent research profile, including internationally visible publications
• You will present your work internationally
• You will hold courses independently as defined by the university's collective bargaining agreement (typically 180 minutes of classroom teaching per week each academic semester)
• You will supervise students (BA and MA)
• You will carry out administrative quality assurance and evaluation activities

This is part of your personal profile:

•   Completed doctorate/PhD in Political Science or a closely related social science discipline; to start the position, candidates require a conferral letter confirming that they have completed all degree requirements and successfully defended their PhD
•   Own research agenda on political representation, party competition, political institutions, political economy, political behaviour or related fields that complements and extends the research profile of the department
•   Excellent knowledge of social science methods in data collection and analysis
•   Internationally visible publication record or advanced manuscripts (e.g., revise & resubmit)
•   Excellent command of written and spoken English
•   Ability to work in a team

What we offer:

Work-life balance: We are a family-friendly employer. Our employees enjoy flexible working hours and the opportunity to partially work remotely (in Austria)

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport

Fixed-term contract and fair salary:  A current base salary of EUR 5.014,30 (14 times a year). The salary increases if we can credit professional experience

Research support: The department aims to provide support for conference travel and fair access to the common pool of research assistants

It is that easy to apply:

• Academic curriculum vitae (including description of key achievements and current research activities, a list of publications, a list of cources taught and a list of talks given)
• Cover letter (max 1 page)
• Research achievements and future research plans (max 2 pages)
• Contact details of three academic referees
• Via our  job portal/ Apply now -  button
• Interviews for shortlisted candidates are provisionally scheduled for 24-25 September

If you have any content questions, please contact:

Reto Bürgisser

reto.buergisser@univie.ac.at

We look forward to new personalities in our team! 
The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We lay special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions among the academic and general university staff and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365.

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​Application deadline: 20 August 2026

Apply now